On-deck batter interferes

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by David Emerling

Any opinions for the rulebook answer to this?

David Emerling
Memphis, TN

Did the act "hinder the defense from making a play" (or whatever the specific wording is)?

Given the specific facts, I'd have nothing but an admonishment not to do it again.

[David Emerling]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

Did the act "hinder the defense from making a play" (or whatever the specific wording is)?

Given the specific facts, I'd have nothing but an admonishment not to do it again.

You're thinking what I was thinking at the time. There really was no play but that's only because R3 chose not to advance. He could've easily.

I guess one could make an argument that any time a pitch gets away from the catcher with a runner on 3rd, by definition, there is a play. Maybe this "play" was just happening in super-slow motion.

David Emerling
Memphis, TN

[DG]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

Did the act "hinder the defense from making a play" (or whatever the specific wording is)?

Given the specific facts, I'd have nothing but an admonishment not to do it again.

Agree. I had something similar on Thursday night. Batter takes ball 4 that gets by the catcher, rolls toward batting team on deck circle where the on deck batter picked it up and handed to the catcher. Defensive coach wants an out. I rule dead ball only. No play, no penalty, just dead ball.

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

Did the act "hinder the defense from making a play" (or whatever the specific wording is)?

Given the specific facts, I'd have nothing but an admonishment not to do it again.

Agree. Under the circumstances, even though you're dying for an out, probably not the correct call.

On the other hand, if the runner had been stealing home on the play in a normal game, the relevant rule would be:

Originally Posted by rule 8-4-2(g)

Any runner is out when:
his being put out is prevented by an illegal act by anyone connected with the team (2-21-1, 3-2-2, 3).... If the umpire is uncertain who would have been
played on, the runner closest to home shall be called out.

[ManInBlue]

22-3 - GREAT call. Assume the play, get an out. By rule you were correct. I'll leave it at that.

Don't get me wrong, I didn't say to make up an out - but a wide zone, a technicality (as this one) - if they can't buy an out then give 'em a bail out.

[DG]

Originally Posted by ManInBlue

if they can't buy an out then give 'em a bail out.

Obama would be proud of you.

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by DG

Obama would be proud of you.

Bush too, who initiated the bailouts.

[ManInBlue]

Originally Posted by DG

Obama would be proud of you.

Still waiting for him to bail ME out!!!! I could force myself to live on $80 billion...it would be tight, but I'd make it.